What are the required exams?
There are three oral exams required for the PhD program. The first is the comprehensive exam which is based on the 2nd year research project (and is dependent on its completion), relevant material pertaining to the research project, as well as course material. It should be completed by the beginning of the sixth quarter in residence at UCLA. The second exam is the oral qualifying exam (advancement to candidacy) where the proposed thesis project is presented for approval. It should be taken no later than the end of the tenth quarter. The last exam is the final oral exam or thesis defense.
